IMD issues heatwave warning for south Bengal from April 4 to 6

Come April and the heatwave is back with hot, humid and uncomfortable weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday has issued a special bulletin predicting heatwave warning over districts of south Bengal from April 4 to 6.

According to IMD, owing to the prevailing dry westerly winds over the region, heatwave condition or hot and discomfort weather is likely to occur in Purulia, Bankura, Purba and

Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, Jhargram, Purba and Paschim Medinipur districts. While there is no heatwave alert in Kolkata, the city is going to experience humid and uncomfortable weather.

The highest maximum temperature recorded on April 3 at Panagarh was 39.9ºC (+3). In Kolkata, the highest temperatures recorded in Alipore was 37.1°C, Salt Lake experienced 37°C while Barrackpore sizzled at 39.8°C and Dum Dum at 37.9°C.

A yellow warning has been sounded for April 4 at Purulia, Bankura, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum districts of south Bengal. On April 5 and 6, Jhargram, Purba and Paschim Medinipur districts join the list.

According to Dr HR Biswas, scientist, RMC, Kolkata, the heat is tolerable for the general public but moderate health concerns lie for vulnerable people such as infants, elderly, people with chronic diseases, people exposed to sun for prolonged periods or doing heavy work. Heat cramp, heat rashes may also occur if exposed to direct heat and sun.

Dos and don’ts suggested by IMD

• Avoid prolonged heat exposure and outside work from 11am to 4pm

• Wear light weight, light coloured, loose, cotton clothes. Cover your head with a cloth, hat or umbrella
• Drink sufficient water, even if not thirsty to avoid dehydration
• Take ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, buttermilk, etc. which help to rehydrate the body
• Recognise the signs of heat stroke, heat rash or heat cramps such as weakness, dizziness